The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Lorenzo Villoresi has always approached perfumery as an act of personal archaeology, returning to his archive not to repeat past successes but to refine them. The Vintage Collection represents this ongoing dialogue with his own history. Originally created in 1997, Incensi was born from Villoresi's fascination with sacred resins and their ability to evoke both ancient rituals and intimate contemplation. The 2014 reimagining came as part of a mini-vapo set, allowing the Florentine perfumer to revisit his creation with fresh eyes and adjust its balance. This is not a reformulation but a refinement, a chance to nudge the composition closer to his original vision.
Villoresi's use of frankincense here goes beyond the material itself; it is an acknowledgment of the resin's cultural weight across centuries of sacred application. The pairing with elemi and galbanum in the opening is deliberate, offering a counterpoint of green freshness that prevents the fragrance from becoming purely devotional. The juniper in the heart serves a bridging function, its coolness tempering the warmth of cinnamon while preparing the wearer for the resinous depth that follows. Mimosa adds a dimension of softness that grounds the composition, preventing it from becoming austere.
The evolution
Elemi and galbanum establish the opening with a crisp, verdant character that immediately signals this is not a conventional incense fragrance. The green notes and subtle apple create an unexpected freshness before juniper emerges in the heart, bringing a cool, almost coniferous quality that disrupts any linear reading of incense as simply smoky. Cinnamon introduces warmth, black pepper adds a hint of spice, and mimosa softens the transition. The drydown is where Incensi truly earns its name: frankincense and myrrh unfold with sacred intensity, supported by styrax and tolu balsam, while sandalwood and benzoin ensure the final hours remain intimate and lingering.
Cultural impact
Wearers often describe Incensi as ‘churchy’, a scent that evokes the quiet reverence of a candle‑lit chapel. Its resinous‑spicy profile has sparked conversation among collectors who appreciate the blend of green freshness and ancient incense, positioning it as a bridge between modern minimalism and historic ritual.
